Eden Hazard

[Superblue 6,372]

I agree with the general consensus that Hazard's skillset is better suited to the wing than Mata's. Also Mata has had a year in the Prem to adapt. The pace and intensity will take Hazard time to adapt and playing wide will hopefully give him more time and space to adapt, compared to the middle which can get congested. However there is another spin on Mata playing in the wing and that is also due to his year in the Prem. He has shown although not great or strong defensively, he does possess the desire and mindset to track back and defend with discipline. You don't play both legs against Barcelona or the final against Bayern without the willingness to sacrifice aspects of your play for the good of the team.

As people have said however, the two are extemely intelligent, skillful young players and can hopefully strike up a solid understanding over the next few months.

[themightyblue 443]

Translated version of the story from Atholy:

How did Eden Hazard eventually go to Chelsea? Sports / Football Magazine talked with some people from the entourage of the Red Devil and made ​​a reconstruction.

Eight clubs signed up specifically to Eden Hazard (21) at Lille to remove: Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal, Inter, Real Madrid and Barcelona. In January the last three were all told that Hazard for England would choose.

"A conscious choice," explains the entourage of the Belgian national team out. "Eden loves the rhythm of the match, the atmosphere in the stands, and he thinks English football his best." Zinedine Zidane would never intervene, unlike what was previously thought.

Arsenal fell off as the first English club. Lack of maturity of the team, too much uncertainty surrounding the continued Robin van Persie. Tottenham was killed as a second after the team upset at each other during the final stage of the competition. The price is certain, although late in January 2011 Hazard, who over a new contract with Lille closes his record of 40 million can escape.

Whittled Chelsea and Manchester United are the last over. United made a huge impression on him and also offers the best financial conditions. Yet ultimately chooses Hazard for Chelsea, where, after Shevchenko Torres and the most expensive transfer of the club. From various conversations with the staff that he is the number ten, behind the striker. Chelsea wants to renew and offensive play. According to his entourage Hazard hopes that boring football is over. (TB)

[Belgiannutt 3,201]

@BluesMaster

I understand what you mean but the thing is in the last 2 years Hazard has changed his way of playing. From being an explosive winger who cuts to the inside, constantly taking on his opponent and roaming on both wings to a nr 10 playmaker who roams all over the field.

He still has his explosive runs and he can still dribble the s*** out of defenders but now he picks his moments more.

apologies for not quoting you directly but when i click on Quote the text doesn't appear below for some reason.

[Term-X 7,891]

I've already prophesied this in the Mata thread, but Juan will miss a chunk of the pre-season & PL season due to his participation in the Olympics. Hazard won't have time to form an understanding with him, and Mata could find himself on the left wing or worse. We need actual wingers out wide, regardless of the 'interchanging' roles Mata & Hazard will most likely have. Marin (signed as a mere squad player) could surprise us, leaving Mata with quite a predicament upon his return from the Olympics.

[Nedy08 27]

Hazard will be participating in the US tour, right? Only 3 more weeks!

[magic weeds 446]

On the CFC site, Mata says he canºt wait for the US tour. Seems he will be going.

[Term-X 7,891]

On the CFC site, Mata says he canºt wait for the US tour. Seems he will be going.

Yes, but he will be leaving early, Check out the dates for the summer tour and the Olympics schedule..

He also misses all of our domestic pre-season games including the community shield, and will no doubt miss the first game of the season for obvious reasons.

[Chelsea? 892]

I thought olympic soccer starts July 25 and our first USA game was July 18. But would be really awesome if Mata stayed for preseason.

[Ramzi 233]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sY2XA0hZ_w

Not sure when the video was recorded, but when he was introduced he said "Juan Mata, Left Winger"

[xPetrCechx 13,570]

Poor eden. every update on his facebook and hundreds of stupid people curse him, because he joined us.

[Jase 43,479]

Poor eden. every update on his facebook and hundreds of stupid people curse him, because he joined us.

I'm sure he gets that a lot on Twitter too. Doubt he bothers about it really. Most footballers get abused anyway. Just ask Ferdinand...

[Hamilton 2,120]

When are the numbers for the season known? can't wait to order the jersey from Hazard for my son

[Jase 43,479]

When are the numbers for the season known? can't wait to order the jersey from Hazard for my son

Suspect we might find out next week when the tranfer window officially opens and pre-season starts.

[Chelsea? 892]

So does anyone know which Chelsea players are gone for the Olympics? And how much time will they spend with Chelsea before leavinf?

[DuncanCFC 0]

So does anyone know which Chelsea players are gone for the Olympics? And how much time will they spend with Chelsea before leavinf?

We find out on Monday. Sturridge will be in there, Bertrand should be, maybe McEachran. I'll be pleasantly surprised if anybody else is. Only time will tell I suppose.